Red Wings' Kris Draper to see specialist Wednesday

DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings' Kris Draper will travel to Philadelphia on Wednesday to see Dr. William Meyers, who will determine whether the forward needs surgery for a sports hernia.

If he does, the operation will be performed Thursday.

If not, the club will do whatever Meyer recommends.

Other injury news

Forward Johan Franzen (slight concussion) skated by himself Tuesday, an off-day for the team, then had his baseline test. "I'm anticipating everything is going according to plan," Holland said. "Barring some type of setback, the feeling is he'll be in the lineup Thursday." Detroit faces Calgary on Thursday at Joe Louis Arena.

Forward Justin Abdelkader (ribs) was close to returning Saturday, and the team anticipates he'll be available Thursday.

Jonathan Ericsson (bulging disc) is feeling better every day, Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said. The defenseman won't play Thursday, but the team hopes he'll be ready next week.